(Anastasia's POV)I am in the car, waiting for Caleb to finish up conversing with his people. I leaned against the car window of the passenger seat as I stared outside, at the yacht and the beautiful waters from a distance.This trip was the most mesmerizing thing I had experienced. With Caleb... as a real couple. In love with each other."Alright, Sir."My head turned to Caleb and his men."Good. We gotta go." Caleb responded and his men nodded their heads."Of course, sir. Have a safe trip," he replied before walking away from Caleb.Caleb strode in my direction. He hops inside the driver's seat. He turned to look at me once more before starting the engine of the car."You alright, wife?" He asked and I hummed in reply, leaning my back on the passenger seat. He backed away from the area and soon exited the parking lot as we hit the road.Suddenly his hand found my thigh and I stiffened for a bit before relaxing. His fingers traced circles around my thighs lightly before as he added m
(Anastasia's POV)It's Monday morning, and Caleb and I are having our breakfast silently. I always took a glimpse of him whenever he scoops some viands near me.I decided to talk to Byron later but I am hesitating to ask Caleb's permission because I know that he would be opposed to the idea. After what happened, there is no way that Caleb would let me meet him to listen to his side.Soooo...I plan to meet Byron without Caleb's knowing that I am meeting Byron today.Well, it's not like I am having an affair. Byron is my friend. He is so nice to me from the beginning we met. He's one of my precious friends. I can't abandon him.We will just talk about what happened at the party. Nothing more, nothing less."You okay?"I snapped back to reality. I look at Caleb, he's staring at me intently. I avoided his confused and worried eyes and focus back on my plate before I responded. "Yeah...""Are you not feeling well?" he stood up and raised his hands until he touch my forehead.I quickly remo
(Anastasia's POV)I drag Byron out of the arcade wearing his frowned face. Well, I just kick his ass in the street fighter game and he keeps wanting another round but I noticed the death glare of the kids behind us so I decided to drag Byron out of the arcade. We've been playing in one game for two hours since Byron won't accept defeat."C'mon, just one last round." he insists.I laugh causing him to frown. "Kids in there would practically kill us if you insist on another one round, Byron."He groaned and stare at the entrance of the arcade center. "How much is this building?"My eyes bawled in surprise. "Are you planning to buy this building?"He didn't respond yet he keeps glaring at the building like he wanted to eat this in whole. Seeing the determination in his eyes, I drag him out in front of the building and hailed a cab. We jerk inside his car, forcing him to drive. He let out a sigh before he start the engine and drove away from the arcade center."What were you thinking? Do y
(Anastasia's POV)We arrived at Albany at 5:25.SHIT!!!! I jerk off his car and wave at Byron for a goodbye. I was about to open the main glass door of the entrance building when someone's familiar voice called me."Ana?"It's Caleb!! thank God! I thought he was already upstairs."Why did you wait outside? I can at least greet Mom.""Uhmm... I-It was late s-so I'm wondering if I... I will wait for you here..." I'm trying to hide my nervousness as I am sweating furiously. "And besides, Mom was sleeping when I came out of the unit."He nodded and glance at his watch before he walks to my position. He pulled me beside the main door as I am blocking the entrance of the building and kissed my head."I'm sorry if I'm late, there was an urgent meeting held," he explains."It's okay. Shall we?" I said.Caleb smiled and held my hand before we walk to his car. I took a glance at Byron's car in the opposite direction but his car was gone. He must be dashing off before Caleb might see him. We both
(Caleb's POV)I woke up with a warm feeling on top of me. I slowly open my eyes and saw Anastasia sleeping soundly as her naked body wraps around mine. I groaned and grab the blanket to cover our body, then back into hugging her tightly.While caressing her back, the scene yesterday flashes into my mind again.I saw her...Coming out from the other car.And I recognize those plate numbers.I know that belongs to Byron. That car where she came out belonged to Byron. She was with Byron yesterday.Why...Why did she lie?Why she's with Byron?But I don't want to jump to a conclusion. She said she loves me. Anastasia loves me. I won't suspect her feelings towards me were not genuine because I know that she really means everything she says but... why did she lie to me?She already knows how much I hate Byron, should she take the initiative to distance herself away from him? cant she reconsiders that to be on my side?I want to get angry.I want to scowl at her.But I don't want to see hurt
(Anastasia's POV)Today, I was spending my day with Ally, I've been so busy with my life that I forgot I have a best friend who's planning to have a vacation here. We haven't seen each other for many years and I feel like there are way too many secrets between us.We were at the cafe in front of the airport. "By the way, how many days were you going to stay here?"She shot me a glare, I mean... death glare.What?! Did I say something weird? I was just asking though. Is my question sound offending? It is not like I'm kicking her out this instance but I was just curious dude."I was hoping that you prepared something special for my special day. And yet, you're asking how long am I going to stay here? Are you serious right now, my dear Anastasia?" she sneered with her raised brows.Her special day?I spotted a calendar on the wall... SHIT!It's her birthday!! What the fudge am I thinking?!! forgetting her birthday is a huge sin for her."O-OH! Happy Birthday, Ally! H-How can I forget your
(Anastasia's POV)I squinted my eyes to adjust my vision as I am not sure because only the woman's back was flaunted in front of me. As I was walking slowly, I accidentally bump into the edge of the couch causing me to groan in pain as it directly hit my thigh. I rub my thigh while silently cursing."Ana?" I raise my head to see Caleb walking towards me. "Are you okay?" he asks but I step back causing him to stop in his trance."What... What is she doing here?" I pointed at Lianne, standing and staring at me with full of vengeance."She--" he was cut off."Caleb we're not done yet!" she yelps irately.I chuckle, "Not done with your smooching?" I ask Caleb with raised brows."Wait-- what? What smooching are you talking about?" he ask with full of confusion plastered on his face.I just roll my eyes while scoffing at his so-called innocence. I didn't respond and walked passed him but he suddenly grabs and pull my arm causing me to bump into his chest. He leans closer and smells my face,
(Anastasia's POV)"Something happened to us."I am left breathless like I am running on a treadmill, or rowing away as if some ghost from the past is chasing me. There is burning in my lungs as I desperately try to draw in enough air to sustain functionality. Slowly, I felt my heart punctured a million times over by tiny pins. It feels as if his statement left me numb, not even slightly painful, just numb.H-HOW DARE HE DO THIS TO ME?! I THOUGHT HE LOVES ME. IS THAT ALL A LIE? AM I THAT DUMB TO BELIEVE HIS WORDS AND TRUST HIM FULLY?I feel my face flush a deep shade of red, and I scrunched up my features as I avoided his eyes. A lump in my throat was about to burst and it really did, a low whimper started to let out from my mouth as my tears falls spontaneously. I cover my face with my palms and turned my back to him. I held my knees to control my breathing.I can't face him. I can't show this side of me. I don't want him to see how weak and vulnerable I am today."But that was in coll
THALIA I was panting and out of breath when I finally reached Damon's hotel room. I did my best to get here as fast as possible.We have not seen each other for two days and I'm worried he might ditch me again without a word.I pressed the doorbell, but still… no response.I'm starting to get panicked inside as I don't know what I should feel: anger or worry. He's really making me mad–The door suddenly opened and a man with wet hair, wearing only a bathrobe, leaned at the door with a frown.“Miss, what brings you here?” “I want to see my groom.”He scoffed. “You can… tomorrow and after tomorrow and for the rest of your life.”I smirk as I'm glad he's still alive and kicking my patience.“Why are you so hot right now?” I asked and tried to get inside his room but he blocked me.“I'm always hot as hell, baby.” His comment didn't impress me. I crossed my arms with a jaw clenched because he stopped me from getting in. “It's almost curfew. I'll take you back.” Curfew? What curfew?
THALIA“Are you able to look after her? Also, she is incredibly costly when it comes to food–”“I am not!” I yelled at Leander's tease. This is actually not the right time to open his mouth and spout nonsense.Damon is true to his words. He really went to see my family tonight just to ask for my hand.Even though I just graduated, I didn't stop him as I didn't want to let him go.“Manners.” Dad sternly said. “She doesn't have that either.” He continued, which made my jaw drop.“Dad!”“Don't yell in front of the food, sweetie.” This time, I gaze at my Mom with pleading eyes. Those two are– “If you can't handle her, feel free to return her.”I chuckled with disbelief at my mother's words. Why is my family like this? They are talking about my bad side instead of my good. Is that how painful it was for them to let me go and live with my man? They are hilarious–“I have too much patience when it comes to a child.”I gasped in surprise at Damon beside me. Is he thinking the same?“You–” I
THALIA Warm tears escalated at the back of my eyes as I held my breath for a second. Lots of words and thoughts came across me, but I didn't know how to react to this, I didn't know how to face him, and I didn't know how I would feel.Fury and longing lingered in my chest as I turned to him with tears welling up in my eyes.There… a man standing three feet away from me, staring at me intently, lovingly, as if he hadn’t left me and made me miss him for a month.He looked the same. “Damon…”His eyes and lips formed a smile before saying, “Congratulations.”I scoffed as I held back my tears.He's really something.“Thanks.” I blankly responded.At least I'm thankful he showed up today, or maybe he's just visiting me, then begone again for a month.As he sensed the intense stare I gave him, his smile faded, and he sighed. “Did you stop waiting?” He said almost a whisper. “What do you think?”He remained silent as his eyes locked on mine using his soft, day-dreamy look, which I hate th
THALIAAFTER A MONTH“After Michael Scott was found dead a week ago, Alfred Laverde was found dead in Whiteface Mountain in the town of Wilmington in Essex County.”Wilmington… That's where Cassie's accident occurred years ago.I avoided my eyes from the TV as my heart suddenly pounded frantically. Anyway, I continue tying the lace of my sandal while trying my best not to react as best as I can at the news.Since Frederick's father was found dead, I'm having a hard time forgetting that news. It breaks my heart to see Fred in tears while mourning for his deceased father.He actually didn't deserve it because he didn't actually kill anyone. Well, almost, and that's us. Still… Fred was a great friend and we noticed he's turning his back on us. Maybe he's blaming us for his loss.And now… my granduncle is also dead.I gaze at my mother, who doesn't even show any emotions while listening to the news. I don't feel the sorrow of losing him. He killed my grandfather, and to be honest, I shou
THALIAMy eyes began to well up with tears of conflicting feelings. Anger, worries, and longing came out all at once. He disappeared without a trace after saying he would come back, and God knows if he’s alive or not. He made me fucking worried for nothing!“Where were you?” That was the only thing I asked.“I have to take care of something–”“Then why did you have to vanish like that?” My voice cracked up in the end as I failed to control it.He avoided my eyes with guilt lingering all over his face. I don't know what to feel. But there's only one thing I could figure out after seeing him again.“To protect you from harm.”I firmly shut my eyes, tears streamed down my cheeks as his words were like hitting my chest with a knife. All he could think was to be my protector, whereas here I am thinking he might have chosen the others over me.Am I being too selfish?I wiped my face as I looked around. Good thing my bodyguards are outside the university. “What happened to Uncle Michae
THALIAI flinched as I was startled when my phone suddenly rang. I got up in bed, sighing as soon as I saw the time. It's almost three, but my eyes won't even close just a bit.My attention was switched to my phone, which still kept ringing. Who would call at this hour?I answered it without looking at the caller.“Wha–”“Thalia.”My brows furrowed at the familiar voice in the end. I checked the number, but it's unregistered.“Ca-Cassie?”“I'm sorry for barking at the wrong tree.” My jaw fell as soon as I confirmed it was her. I jump off the bed and gaze outside the window.“Where are you? Who's with you?” I desperately asked.However, I heard her chuckle and sighed deeply.“I intentionally took the chance that my mother used to work with Laverde and got in as their so-called illegitimate family member.”Her words left me baffled. So… she's not a real Laverde?“What's your reason?”“I have found evidence and took a chance to get closer to the enemy.”“Evidence of what?”“I only want
THALIAI inhale sharply as soon as I exit the building. My chest feels heavy and tightened, and I don't know how to cope with the pain deep inside of me.My fingers firmly curled around the handle of my handbag.It's just my hunch. It's just my guts. It's just my suspicion that it was Damon. But why don't I feel this suspicion is real?I hate it.My phone rang, and Damon's secretary was plastered on my screen.“How was it? Is it Damon?”“No.”Then why did that jerk get Damon's phone?I scratched my temple as I walked to my car. I entered my car with a frown.“Where did that robber find it?”“He said a woman came and sold the phone.”I paused and confusedly thought about who that woman could be.“Woman? Who?”“He couldn't recognize her because she covered almost her face.”Why do people love covering their faces? Scared of the sunburn or hiding from the authorities?Since it's a woman, there's no way Damon is in trouble. So, I don't give a fuck with that woman who stole Damon's phone a
THALIAMom and Dad quickly went to Paris last night. Leander and I left here in New York so that we wouldn't be embroiled in the quarrel with Laverde.It's my mother's family, so I'm afraid Mom will break down. I heard her screaming to Uncle Adam on the phone before they left. I sighed as I put down my spoon on the table. I glanced at Leander, who was also in deep thought in front of his breakfast.“What's gonna happen now?”“What else? Mom possibly cut her ties with them.” I tightly shut my eyes in frustration. Why are there traitors in our lives? “Are we just going to stay here and wait? Mom might break down.”Leander let out a frustrating sigh. “Dad is with her. Also, they won't let us tag along with them.”It's been two decades since that happened. Doesn't the grandfather's case have a statute of limitations? I wonder how they found evidence despite the long period since it happened. Anyway, if it really proves my granduncle was the suspect of my grandfather's death, I hope he
THALIAOne week.It's been one week since Damon went missing. I even helped in looking for him but to no avail. Not even the authorities could find Damon Kane. There's no body or anything that can lead to his whereabouts. It was as if he vanished into thin air.I was depressed and cried every night while I had this hope every day of finding him together with the authorities.My parents and Leander didn't complain about how I poured everything into this search and rescue. They can see through me how desperate I am just to find him and I was hoping he's alive and in a safe place.Uncle Michael, who caused all of this, was on the run and hiding somewhere. Where's his courage to kill off my father's happiness now? Maybe he was also the reason why Leander's secretary was abducted and injured. Leander poured his soul into finding her but was also abducted by Uncle Michael. As of now, I don't know why Leander's secretary was abducted.I refused to talk to Frederick. Not because I hate his